Slovak Leader Fico Sets Conditions for Backing More Russia Sanctions
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico demands EU proposals to align climate targets with the needs of carmakers and heavy industry, as well as measures to tackle electricity prices in the bloc.
BRATISLAVA: Slovakia cannot support more European Union sanctions against Russia until it gets EU proposals to align climate targets with the needs of carmakers and heavy industry, Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Thursday.
Fico also demanded measures to tackle electricity prices in the bloc.
The EU is debating a 19th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
EU diplomats have said a new package was likely to include more listings of Chinese companies, Russian banks, and vessels in Moscow’s sanctions-evading "shadow fleet," as well as a transaction ban on Russian oil.
Fico, who has been critical of European allies over his pro-Moscow stance and met Russian President Vladimir Putin three times since last year, has long argued that sanctions do not work.
He stated that he would "not support adoption of another package until the Commission submits realistic proposals that will align demanding climate targets with the needs of the production of cars, not only in Slovakia, and with the needs of heavy industry".
Fico also emphasized his demand for action regarding electricity prices in Europe.
The West has imposed tens of thousands of sanctions on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine and its 2014 annexation of Crimea, aiming to hobble Russia’s economy.
Fico has advocated against military aid for Ukraine, instead suggesting that the EU should prioritize peace efforts.
Fico also demanded measures to tackle electricity prices in the bloc.
The EU is debating a 19th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
EU diplomats have said a new package was likely to include more listings of Chinese companies, Russian banks, and vessels in Moscow’s sanctions-evading "shadow fleet," as well as a transaction ban on Russian oil.
Fico, who has been critical of European allies over his pro-Moscow stance and met Russian President Vladimir Putin three times since last year, has long argued that sanctions do not work.
He stated that he would "not support adoption of another package until the Commission submits realistic proposals that will align demanding climate targets with the needs of the production of cars, not only in Slovakia, and with the needs of heavy industry".
Fico also emphasized his demand for action regarding electricity prices in Europe.
The West has imposed tens of thousands of sanctions on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine and its 2014 annexation of Crimea, aiming to hobble Russia’s economy.
Fico has advocated against military aid for Ukraine, instead suggesting that the EU should prioritize peace efforts.
